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@jigandreel
February 8, 2023
The Corner Lounge
Knoxville nightlife can't be beat as the city is filled with live music from jazz to country to rock n' roll. If you're wanting dinner and live entertainment, look no further. Restaurants in Knoxville, Tennessee host live music almost every night. Check out these Knoxville bars and restaurants with music the next time you're in the city.
The Corner Lounge
One of the oldest bars in Knoxville, The Corner Lounge opened just after Prohibition. On any given night, you can find this Knoxville restaurant jamming with live music from country, bluegrass and rock music, karaoke, or a soccer game on the TV to enjoy with a bucket of mimosas for $18 or a dang-fine Bloody Mary. Lunch is served on weekdays beginning at noon and 2 p.m. on weekends. Or check out the dinner menu, featuring punny handhelds like “Drivin’ Me Caprese” or “The Artful Gobbler.” Specials include Wine Whiskey Wednesdays - $1 off wine and $5 shots of Tullamore, Paddy's and Ha'Penny Irish Whiskeys.
With 96 beers on tap and even more in the bottle, sample and find your new favorite local beer. Barley’s Taproom is located in the historic Old City and features daily drink specials and an incredible selection of customizable and unique pizza combinations. Stop by on the weekends or various weekday evenings for live music featuring a selection of bands and artists of genres from punk to bluegrass to country and pop. And, their happy hour includes lots of drink specials daily from open until 6 p.m.
Wild Boar Tavern
Come to Wild Boar Tavern for the food, stay for the live entertainment. Featuring musical acts of southern rock and country Wednesdays through Saturdays, it’s always a good time at Wild Boar. The Happy Hour makes the week great featuring $3 wells, $1 off drafts and $1 off house wine 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Plus, with gourmet sandwiches, burgers, specialty pizzas and a cheesecake of the day, this tavern is a must-stop when you’re in Knoxville.
Did you know Appalachian music has Scottish and Irish roots? So, it makes sense that Boyd’s Jig & Reel features weekly Scottish, Irish, Celtic and old time music sessions as well as weekend 21+ shows featuring Irish and Scottish groups, bluegrass, Americana and country live music. The pub has quickly become a place for musicians and whiskey lovers alike to come together and celebrate the heritage of the Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in Appalachia.
Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House
Another option to celebrate the history of Irish settlers in the Appalachian region is Clancy’s Tavern & Whiskey House. Knoxville’s premier Irish Pub, Clancy’s is located next door to the historic Tennessee Theatre and serves up traditional Irish fare and just about every type of whiskey you can think of, from Irish to bourbon, Scotch to rye – even Japanese. With your drink in hand, settle in for an evening of live music featuring singer-songwriters, rock, country and bluegrass. Don't miss Clancy's Tavern's specials including Brewsday Tuesday 7 p.m. to close ($3 off micro & domestic drafts, $4 imports and High Gravity, and buy one, get one Liquid Gold Beer Cheese), Wine Wednesday 4-10 p.m. featuring half price bottles, Happy Hour Thursdays 3-7 p.m., and $4 Bloody Mary and Mimosas 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Scruffy City Hall
Known as Knoxville’s Cathedral of Entertainment and Libations, Scruffy City Hall is adjacent to (and owned by the same family) Preservation Pub, two main venues that amplify Knoxville's nightlife. It’s similar in style, but with a gothic architectural twist. Consisting of three levels, the Main Hall is a great spot to see live music and performances from DJ sessions to comedians, rock, punk, pop and more. The Loggia Balcony Bar has a view of historic Market Square and you’ll find the “Scruffy Cinepub Under the Stars” on the “Scroof.” Scruffy City Hall is truly a versatile venue for those looking for a great time. Enjoy happy hour and drink specials all day Sunday, $2 pint Mondays, $1 off Tennessee bottles and cans and $5 Jack Daniel's Tuesday night, $1 off all import beers, $5 shots of Jameson and Jager and $6 Jager bombs Wednesday nights and half off local pints Thursday nights.
Preservation Pub
Boasting live music 365 nights a year, Preservation Pub gets its name from the mission of its owners, Bernadette and Scott West, in revitalizing the historical buildings and Market Square in downtown Knoxville. Its slogan, “Welcome…You’re in Good Company,” promises an open, friendly time to all who stop by looking for a wide selection of beer and liquor with eclectic vibes. Enjoy drink specials all day Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as well as live music from a variety of genres like rock, country and more.
Bistro by the Bijou
The Bistro by the Bijou was one of the early adopters of the “farm-to-table” movement with owner Martha Boggs growing many of the vegetables used in the restaurant’s dishes on her small farm. She creates two seasonal menus a year with a focus on regionally sourced cuisine prepared in simple, traditional ways. The bistro is located in one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville next door to The Bijou Theatre. Enjoy dinner and dancing before heading to the speakeasy, boasting an ever-changing selection of regional craft beers on tap and a seasonal cocktail menu. You can also catch live jazz music inside the speakeasy on Monday, Wednesday Friday and Saturday evenings.
Back Door Tavern
A favorite watering hole in Knoxville among locals, Back Door Tavern is the oldest bar on Thunder Road. Jam to live rock n' roll music whether it’s with a cold beer on a warm summer evening or sitting by the fire pit on those chillier nights.
Paul’s Oasis
Paul’s Oasis is a terrific place to hang out with friends. Grab a drink and play billiards, pool, darts or pinball. Come by on Thursdays for a good ol’ fashioned jam session or Saturdays for live music featuring genres like rock n' roll, country, southern rock, blues, R&B and more. If you’re more in the performing mood, Paul’s Oasis also has Friday night karaoke. Come hungry, because their extensive menu includes burgers, homemade pizza, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Enjoy happy hour every Monday-Friday from open to 7 p.m.
Photo Credit:
Poynter Photography
At Ale' Rae's you can find open jam sessions, karaoke, live music featuring jazz, country, rock and blues, and even comedic stand-up during the week. The gastropub menu includes shareables like the delicious spicy fried cauliflower and filling entrees from bacon bourbon meatloaf to pulled pork, shrimp tacos and shrimp & grits. It's the perfect place to enjoy dinner and dancing in Knoxville. Brunch is served each Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Try one of their cocktails, local beers and frozen drinks like the salted caramel espresso freeze.
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